should a revolver be your go-to firearm?

When it comes to self-defense, one of the most debated topics is what to carry in your holster. While you have popular firearms like Glocks or Sig Sauers, there is often a question of if revolvers are good to carry. That being said, our team at Core Vision Training is going to discuss whether revolvers are a good choice compared to modern semi-automatic pistols.

Revolvers have been used for personal protection for over a century, and while they may not be as common today as they once were, they still offer several advantages. However, they also come with drawbacks that potential owners should consider before making a decision. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of revolvers for self-defense, examine the most popular calibers, and discuss different situations where a revolver may or may not be the best option.

Advantages of Revolvers for Self-Defense

Reliability – Revolvers are known for their mechanical simplicity, which makes them less prone to malfunctions compared to semi-automatics. There are no magazines to worry about, and they function reliably in extreme conditions, such as exposure to dirt, sand, or moisture.
Ease of Use – Unlike semi-automatic pistols, revolvers don’t require the user to rack a slide, making them easier to operate for those with weaker grip strength, such as the elderly or those with disabilities. Additionally, their straightforward operation means there are fewer steps to remember under stress.
Stopping Power – Revolvers can be chambered in powerful calibers, offering significant stopping power. Unlike some semi-autos, which are often limited in caliber choices, revolvers can handle high-powered rounds that are effective for self-defense. The ability to use heavier bullets also improves penetration and effectiveness.
Simple Maintenance – With fewer moving parts and no magazine, revolvers require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean compared to semi-automatics. They also don’t suffer from magazine spring wear, which can sometimes cause feeding issues in semi-auto pistols.
No Magazine Issues – Many malfunctions in semi-automatics stem from magazine-related issues. With revolvers, you avoid problems such as misfeeds, magazine failures, and spring fatigue, ensuring that your firearm is always ready when needed.
Versatility – Many revolvers can fire multiple calibers using different cartridges. For example, a .357 Magnum revolver can also fire .38 Special rounds, making it versatile for different scenarios, including training and self-defense.

Disadvantages of Revolvers for Self-Defense

Limited Capacity – Most revolvers hold between 5-7 rounds, significantly less than the 10-15+ rounds in modern semi-automatic pistols. This can be a disadvantage in self-defense situations where multiple shots may be needed to stop a threat.
Slower Reload Time – Reloading a revolver, even with speed loaders or moon clips, is slower compared to swapping out a magazine in a semi-automatic pistol. In high-stress situations, reloading a revolver efficiently can be challenging, making it a potential liability.
Heavy Trigger Pull – Double-action revolvers typically have a heavy trigger pull, which can make accuracy more challenging for some shooters, especially under stress. This can be mitigated by using a single-action revolver, but that requires manually cocking the hammer before each shot.
Bulkier Design – Revolvers tend to be bulkier and heavier than many modern polymer-frame semi-automatic pistols, making concealed carry more challenging. Larger revolvers, particularly those chambered in powerful calibers, can be difficult to carry comfortably.

Popular Revolver Calibers for Self-Defense

Revolvers can be found in several different calibers, so let’s take a look at what some popular calibers are.

.38 Special

One of the most popular self-defense revolver calibers, .38 Special offers a good balance between recoil and stopping power. It’s manageable for most shooters and commonly used in snub-nose revolvers, making it a favorite for concealed carry. Modern +P loads increase its effectiveness.

.357 Magnum

A more powerful version of the .38 Special, the .357 Magnum delivers superior stopping power with deeper penetration. Many .357 Magnum revolvers can also shoot .38 Special rounds, providing versatility. However, the increased recoil may be difficult for some shooters to handle effectively, especially in compact revolvers.

.44 Magnum

The .44 Magnum is known for its extreme stopping power but is often considered overkill for self-defense. The significant recoil and muzzle blast make it less practical for most users, though it may be viable for home defense where concealment isn't a factor. Some defensive loads reduce recoil while maintaining stopping power.

.22 LR

While .22 LR is not an ideal self-defense caliber due to its lower stopping power, it is still used by some for self-defense, particularly by those who have difficulty handling larger calibers. Shot placement becomes even more critical when using .22 LR for personal protection, as it lacks the power of larger calibers.

.45 Colt

A classic revolver caliber, the .45 Colt offers substantial stopping power with moderate recoil. While it is more common in larger revolvers, some prefer it for home defense applications due to its effectiveness and history of stopping threats.

10mm Auto

Though more commonly associated with semi-automatics, some revolvers are chambered in 10mm Auto. This round offers high power with a manageable recoil compared to the .44 Magnum, making it a viable self-defense choice for experienced shooters.

Is a Revolver Right for You?

Ultimately, whether a revolver is a good choice for self-defense depends on the individual. For those who value reliability, simplicity, and powerful ammunition, a revolver can be a great option. However, for those who prioritize higher capacity, faster reloads, and ease of carry, a semi-automatic pistol may be the better choice.

If considering a revolver for self-defense, it’s important to practice regularly and become comfortable with reloading under stress. Choosing a caliber that you can shoot accurately and handle comfortably is key to making a revolver an effective self-defense tool.

That being said, no matter what caliber you choose you should find a training course that can help you get comfortable with your firearm. Core Vision Training has a wide variety of courses that can help you learn the ins and outs of shooting, room clearing, precision shooting, and more.

Situational Considerations

Home Defense: A revolver in a powerful caliber can be an excellent home defense choice, where size and weight are less of an issue.
Concealed Carry: A lightweight snub-nose revolver in .38 Special or .357 Magnum can be a solid option for those who prefer revolvers but need something discreet.
Backcountry Defense: For protection against large animals, revolvers chambered in .44 Magnum or 10mm Auto are preferred.

Conclusion

Revolvers remain a viable choice for self-defense, especially for those who prioritize reliability and ease of use over magazine capacity and speed. While they may not be the most modern option, their simplicity, power, and dependability ensure they still have a place in the world of personal protection. Whether for home defense or concealed carry, selecting the right caliber and regularly training with your revolver will be crucial to ensuring it serves you well in a defensive situation.

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Are Revolvers Good for Everyday Carry?